Residents of the Manhattan Heights neighborhood are breathing a big sigh of relief after police arrested a man in connection with several burglaries and sexual assaults that occurred in the area.

"Everyone was very concerned. This had a big impact on the entire neighborhood," said Craig Peters, president of the Manhattan Heights Neighborhood Association. "Since this all started, some of the neighbors would go out together to walk their dogs or go for walks in groups -- it isn't usually like that here. Everyone was just concerned and more vigilant on what was happening in the neighborhood."

As news came down of the arrest of Arturo Valtierra-Payan, 24, in connection to the incidents in Manhattan Heights, community members finally had a sense of freedom and safety back in their neighborhood.

"People have been anxious, uneasy and even frustrated since they didn't have much information on what was going on, when the crimes occurred or even where in the neighborhood," said Julie Rutledge, board member of the Manhattan Heights Neighborhood Association. "It was frustrated being left in the dark. We understand the police were doing it because they were still investigating the crimes, but finally it seems like it's over and people don't have to feel like they are locked in their own homes anymore."

The association is planning a meeting with community members to discuss tips on how they can protect themselves and to give out more information on the situation, Rutledge said. They hope a representative of the El Paso Police Department will attend. The time and date of the meeting have not been set.

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"I believe this is an isolated incident. I hope things will go back to normal soon," Rutledge said. "But I hope people stay aware and continue to protect their homes by leaving lights on and locking their doors and windows, so this doesn't happen again. Hopefully, people will stay aware and vigilant by reporting any suspicious activity in the neighborhood to the police."

El Paso police arrested Valtierra-Payan at 11 p.m. Tuesday on suspicion of burglary of a habitation, police spokesman Darrel Petry said. Police said Valtierra-Payan lives in the 2600 block of Savannah Avenue, which is in the same area where the assaults took place.

Valtierra-Payan was arrested without incident at a home in 7200 block of Alameda Avenue, Petry said.

Valtierra-Payan was booked into the El Paso County Jail on a $300,000 bond. He has only been charged with one of the alleged sexual assaults. The case remains open and additional charges are pending.

Police are not releasing Valtierra-Payan's mug shot because the investigation continues.

Police said Valtierra-Payan recently moved to El Paso. He was originally from Chihuahua.

Leticia Zamarripa, spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, confirmed that there was a hold placed on Valtierra-Payan in addition to the $300,000 bond. Zamarripa said she could not discuss Valtierra-Payan's case specifically.

According to the Department of Homeland Security's website, an immigration detainer informs local law enforcement that federal agents intend to take a prisoner into custody in the event the person is scheduled to be released from jail. It would allow local law enforcement to keep a person in custody for federal agents.

An Arturo Valtierra-Payan with the same date of birth as the man arrested was convicted for illegal possession of a firearm in October 2009 in Mexico.

According to the Mexican Attorney General's Office, Valtierra-Payan was already serving time in a prison when he was convicted for the firearm offense.

Last week, El Paso police issued a warning after women were sexually assaulted in three of four nighttime break-ins believed to have been committed by the same man since the last week in May in Manhattan Heights and the surrounding area.

On Tuesday, police officials released a more detailed description and that detectives had determined that the man does not have tattoos on his neck as police initially reported. The burglar may have scratches on his neck and face received during one of the attacks, officials said. The last known incident occurred June 25. Specific locations and times of the assaults had not been released.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at aamartinez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6249. Follow him on Twitter @Amartinez31

Times reporters Aaron Bracamontes and Lorena Figueroa contributed to this story.